Branched Bur-reed |
Sparganium erectum |
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
Occasional in loch margins and burns in lowland areas. Plant up to 150 cm high. Leaves c 10-15 mm wide. Fruiting heads c 20-30 mm across. ID: Unlike other Bur-reeds, the flowering stem is branched. Each branch has one or more female heads at the base, and several male heads further out. In the other species the unbranched stem has all the female heads below all the male ones. Other features: No flower pictures yet but see other Bur-reeds for general appearance. Fruit shape is very variable. The leaves and stems are upright, not floating. Unbranched Bur-reed usually has some leaves upright and some floating. The other two species have most leaves floating. |
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
|
Crumbling remains of male heads to left of fruiting female head |
Close-up of fruits |
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
|
Above: The tall, bright green leaves and stems form a dense stand in the loch Right: Spike with angles where male heads |